Gordon St. Claire

Gordon St. Claire, 86, of Callaway, MN, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2019 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo after a brief illness.  Visitation will be on Monday, August 12, from 4-7p.m with a 6:30 prayer service at St. Benedict Catholic Church in White Earth. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, August 13, at 11a.m at St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Gordon Alvin St. Clair was born on January 10, 1933 to Frederick and Fannie St. Clair in White Earth, MN.  Gordon went to St. Benedict’s Mission school in White Earth, MN, but had to leave school at a young age to help his father on the family farm.  At 17, Gordon enlisted in the United States Army, during his years in the Army, he obtained his GED. While in the Army they added the "e" to St. Clair.  He was honorably discharged on July 26, 1957.  After his discharge, he began working in construction and helped build I 94 in Wisconsin.  After working in construction, he began a long career working for the Chrysler corporation.  In August of 1958, Gordon Married Nancy Jane Schmidt, to this union three sons were born, Duane, Bruce, and Brent.  The couple later divorced. In 1988, after working for 30.2 years for the Chrysler Corporation, Gordon retired and moved back to Minnesota.  After moving back, Gordon worked varies jobs for the Shooting Star Casino over the course of ten years.

One of Gordon’s favorite pastime was feeding his numerous birds, gambling, and traveling with his friend Jean Bakka.  Gordon also enjoyed spending time at the Detroit Lakes VFW Post #1676 where he was a lifetime member.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post #15.

Gordon’s passing is mourned by his sons; Duane, Bruce and Brent, granddaughter; Dorothy, brother Melvin St. Claire, St. Paul, MN., two sisters; Yvonne Jackson, Tulsa, OK. and Beverly Johnson, Waubun, MN., special friend; Jean Bakka, Ogema; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Fannie; brothers Eldred St. Clair, Frederick  St. Clair, Henry St. Clair, Harvey Roy and sisters; Bernice DeGroat, Josephine St. Clair and Mary Jane St. Clair .